The Executive Summary: Delaware state executive position sits vacant for two years

This edition of The Executive Summary highlights a new feature on Ballotpedia tracking vacancies in state executive positions. We also update you on state executives who have left office this year prior to the end of their term, the most recent being Utah Lieutenant GovernorGreg Bell, whose replacement was sworn-in yesterday. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of 2013/2014 election news to get to, and make sure to put on your thinking cap in preparation for some gubernatorial trivia.

Vacancy Tracker

State executive officeholders are changing all the time. Sometimes irregular office changes, those caused by a resignation, retirement, or other event, can be a long process leaving some offices vacant for days, months, or even years.

The longest running vacancy is a seat on the Delaware Public Service Commission. The seat remains vacant following Arnetta McRae's departure in October 2011.[1] The commission is currently served by four part time commissioners. The Governor of Delaware has not nominated anyone for the position, and state law requires that the open position be filled by someone who lives in the City of Wilmington. Department of state employee Matthew R. Hartigan assured that to date, the lack of a fifth commissioner has not caused any issues regarding Commission business.[2]

We are also tracking interim officeholders. In most cases, these officeholders ascend to fill a vacancy left due to an irregular office change. While it varies from state to state, these replacements may serve in the position until either a permanent officeholder is named or elected, or until the state legislature or governor confirms the interim officeholder as the permanent officeholder.

Irregular office changes

Unique among the areas covered by Ballotpedia, the world of state executive officials includes a fair amount of turnover which often flies under the radar. If a high-profile officeholder, such as a governor or secretary of state, leaves office before the expiration of their term the story makes all the headlines. Down ballot offices, however, which are often stepping-stones for ambitious politicians or homes for lifelong bureaucrats, see changes that are all but ignored. For the purpose of this project we define an irregular office change to be when an elected or appointed official does not complete the full term of office. Some appointed officials serve an indefinite term where they are either not subject to reappointment or "serve at the pleasure of the governor." These have been included in the numbers below.

As of October 17, 2013, Ballotpedia has identified 42 irregular office changes in 26 states. Iowa has had the most with four changes. There have been 8 irregular changes in top ballot offices and 34 in down ballot offices.

Cuccinelli’s "anti-women agenda" vs. McAuliffe’s GreenTech baggage

Virginia Attorney General and 2013 Republican nominee for governor Ken Cuccinelli's record on women's issues, including his sponsorship of several pro-life/anti-abortion legislative measures while serving in the state senate, was a primary target for attacks by Democrats and other supporters of his opponent, Terry McAuliffe, in the 2013 gubernatorial race. Throughout the election season, McAuliffe's campaign invoked Cuccinelli's past efforts on laws to restrict abortion and defund planned parenthood, as well as his association with the Republican National Coalition for Life, which endorsed his successful candidacy for attorney general in 2009, in order to alienate some female and liberal voters. Cuccinelli's campaign made earnest efforts to debunk accusations from opponents that, if elected, the Republican nominee would impose his "anti-women agenda" on the governorship. For example, they ran an ad spot on October 1 before the general election that featured Tichi Pickney Eppes, an African-American woman and Democratic school board member, expressing her support for Cuccinelli as the next governor and calling the opposition's claims that he possessed an anti-women agenda "ridiculous."[3][4] Already trailing McAuliffe in polls and fundraising in the fall of 2013, a September 30 report from NBC news about Cuccinelli's anti-abortion stance accelerated his campaign's downward spiral. The report offered a blunt excerpt from Cuccinelli's 2012 Christian Life Summit speech, the entirety of which was published to YouTube. In the speech, Cuccinelli said, "Really, Given that God does judge nations, it's amazing that abortion has run as far and foully as it has, without what I would consider to be a greater imposition of judgment on this country...Who knows what the future holds?"[5]

In August 2013, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) revealed government documents implicating McAuliffe in a "cash-for-visa financing" scheme by an electic car company called GreenTech Automotive currently under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (S.E.C.). As the founder of GreenTech Automotive, McAuliffe was already entrenched in the controversy surrounding the company's financial misconduct, as reported by Watchdog beginning in December 2012.[6] Grassley's findings aligned with Watchdog reports claiming McAuliffe received special treatment from a high-ranking U.S. immigration official to streamline the visa approval process for foreign investors.[7] Due to its poor performance and its employment of Hillary Rodham Clinton's brother, who handled the company's capital and is thus the target of the investigation, the now infamous environmental venture marks a blemish on the McAuliffe-campaign platform: to reinvigorate the state's economy using his business knowledge and experience as a successful job creator. Developments linking McAuliffe to the suspected fraud has made that blemish more pronounced, though polls continue to disprove initial theories that it would severely threaten his chances of overtaking Cuccinelli in the November general election. Cuccinelli continued to be the more beleaguered candidate of the pair even after the Greentech S.E.C. investigation scandal broke and opened McAuliffe up for criticism regarding his history of "mingling politics and business."[8]

On Oct. 8, 2013, less than one month prior to the general election Watchdog published new e-mail evidence pointing to McAuliffe's involvement in GreenTech's practice of leaning on the Department of Homeland Security to expedite their funding requests. The e-mails were made available by FOIA, and include exchanges between McAuliffe and Department of Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano’s chief of staff in November 2012, when he was serving as the company's Chairman, as well as one between the DHS chief of staff and assistant secretary, in which the latter "related that the company threatened a shutdown if EB-5 applications were not approved immediately."[7] Short of causing waves, the development was eclipsed by the news that his campaign would be receiving live campaign support from Hillary Clinton, whose brother, remember, is one of McAuliffe’s alleged partners in crime from GreenTech.[9][10]

Michigan Cabinet Shuffle: New Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner appointed

Michigan TreasurerAndy Dillon tendered his resignation to Gov.Rick Snyder on Oct. 10, 2013, citing turmoil in his personal life among the reasons for wanting to cut his term short.[11] Dillon has served in the office since Snyder appointed him following his election in 2010, and, despite a heavily publicized divorce battle and his supervision of Detroit's "record $18 billion municipal bankruptcy" this July, the governor has only ever defended Dillon's performance, and insists Dillon was not pressured, at least by government forces, to step down.[12] During his tenure, which officially ends November 1, Dillon also sought to reform the state's tax system, actively promoted legislation to ensure municipalities and schools possess the tools to provide necessary services to state residents and developed the Municipal Services Authority to act as a mechanism for local entities to share best-practices.[13] In addition to these efforts, Dillon's time as treasurer was also shaped by intense media scrutiny about his personal life, specifically with regard to his failed marriage and substance abuse issues.

Dillon, a former 16th District state representative, will be succeeded by Kevin Clinton, effective November 1.[14] Clinton already occupies a position in Snyder's cabinet, as the Michigan Commissioner of Insurance; Thus, Clinton's reassignment triggered a second vacancy for the governor to attend to. On October 15, Snyder tapped Ann Flood to take over the commissionership upon Clinton's departure.[15][16] Flood, who has been serving as chief deputy of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, is also a registered nurse and a member of the Michigan State Bar. Prior to signing on to her current position in state government, Flood was executive vice president and chief operating officer of American Physicians Capital Inc. Her professional background also includes working as senior vice president, corporate secretary and legal counsel of ProNational Insurance Co.[15]

Since treasurer is one of the three constitutional executive department heads that make up the Executive Branch, its vacancy contingencies are clearly addressed in Article V, Section 6 of the state constitution. The section states that the appointment can be rejected if a majority of state senators vote against it, with the window to reject open for "60 session days after the date of such appointment. Any appointment not disapproved within such period shall stand confirmed." In 2013, the Legislature's estimated session will run through December 31. Likewise, Snyder's appointment of Flood to replace Clinton as insurance commissioner is subject to the advice and consent of the state Sente, "if it is in session," according to the Michigan Compiled Laws.[17]

Cox, whose name did not come up in public speculation, said, "My goal is to just serve to the best of my capacity. My sincere hope is you won't notice a difference. I am not Greg Bell, but I am trying hard to be every day."[22]

The lawmaker made headlines earlier this year when he became the first member of the House to call for the impeachment of Attorney GeneralJohn Swallow (R), who is under investigation for possible violations of state campaign-finance laws. The office of the lieutenant governor is responsible for the enforcement of state elections laws and currently has an inquiry of Swallow under way. Bell said Cox will have to determine if he needs to recuse himself from the investigation.[23]

Utah's top two positions have seen a number of irregular changes in recent years - Gov. Herbert was serving as lieutenant governor in 2009 when then-Gov. Jon Huntsman resigned to become U.S. Ambassador to China. Herbert subsequently chose Bell, then a state senator, as his second in charge. The two teamed up to win the 2010 special election to determine who would serve out the remainder of Huntsman's term. They won re-election in 2012.

The race attracted considerable buzz in the lead-up to the election, owing in large part to the controversial education proposals put forth by Gov. Scott Walker (R) in his 2013-2015 budget plan, as well as Pridemore's penchant for provoking the media - with dramatic pronouncements about his campaign agenda or else by creating a blacklist of a number of "liberal"[25] political reporters.[26][27]

Evers received over 61% of the vote, equalling 487,030 votes. This figure points to Evers' growth in popularity since his initial election to the post back in 2009, when he won 439,248 votes and a roughly 15 percentage point victory over a different single challenger, Rose Fernandez.

Virginia

Governor

Current Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R) is ineligible to run for re-election in 2013 because of term limits. The term limits Virginia imposes on its governors are more strict than any other state in the country: under the commonwealth's constitution, no governor may serve back-to-back terms. This means that McDonnell, unlike other governors in their first term, is ineligible to run for re-election until a full term has passed.

There are no such term limits on the attorney general, and many were surprised at current AG Ken Cuccinelli's (R) decision to run for governor rather than seek another term. If not for Cuccinelli, Lieutenant GovernorBill Bolling would have been the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to succeed McDonnell.[29] Due to the decision by the Republican Party of Virginia Virginia to change their candidate nomination method from open primary election to closed nominating convention starting in 2013, and "tea party darling" Cuccinelli's presence in the race, Bolling withdrew his bid for the GOP nod in November 2012. .[30][31] About the alternative of seeking re-election to his current post, Bolling stated that, “Under normal circumstances, I would be open to the possibility of running for another term as lieutenant governor, but I would not be interested in running on a statewide ticket with Mr. Cuccinelli.”[32] He later said he regretted dropping out of the race as early as he did.[33]

McDonnell had previously pledged his support for Bolling's candidacy- in part because Bolling refrained from challenging McDonnell for governor in 2009. After Bolling bowed out, McDonnell chose to endorse fellow Republican Cuccinelli for his successor, despite Cuccinelli's outspoken opposition to McDonnell's Transportation Initiative, which is considered to be the centerpiece of his gubernatorial legacy. Ironically, Cuccinelli's future general election opponent, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, has been equally outspoken on the issue, but as an advocate and defender of the outgoing governor's approach to amending the state's transportation funding policy.[34][35][36]

In response to the major party picks, the Libertarian Party held a special convention and nominated Robert Sarvis as the party's official gubernatorial candidate.[37]

Like Cuccinelli and Sarvis, McAuliffe faced no primary contest. As of October 2013, McAuliffe is comfortably leading Cuccinelli and Sarvis in polls and fundraising. Aggregated polling data show the Democratic nominee with an average edge of seven percentage points edge over Cuccinelli.[38] McAuliffe outraised Cuccinelli $6.2 million to $3.4 million in September, and has $1.9 million left in the bank versus just $1 million for Cuccinelli. The latest campaign finance filings show McAuliffe raising $6.2 million to Cuccinelli's $3.4 million, and holding $1.9 million in cash on hand, which is twice the size of Cuccinelli's warchest. Sarvis was trailing both with a reported $19,110 cash on hand.[39][40][41] Hilary Clinton's decision to come out in support of McAuliffe on October 19 - marking her first campaign event appearance since stepping down as U.S. Secretary of State - further enhanced the Democrat's frontrunner status.[42]

The three contenders will square off in the general election on November 5, 2013.[43]

Impact of US government shutdown on governor's race

The high profile federal government shutdown has coincided with the home stretch of this year's increasingly expensive and high-profile Virginia governor race, creating a fresh backdrop for the battle between major party nominees Terry McAuliffe (D) and Ken Cuccinelli (R), and providing a brand new context in which to undermine each candidate's character and leadership potential.[44] Each campaign released an ad the aftermath of the shutdown, which arrived on the heels of the candidates' second debate.[45]

With the nation paying close attention to its government in light of the perceived failure of Congress to work together in the best interests of their constituents, McAuliffe and Cuccinelli's ads each highlight features of his opponent which most closely mirror the type of stubbornness displayed by the House and Senate leading up to the shutdown, and to which the general public is, at the moment, so sensitively attuned. That moment, to be more specific, is one month before the general election. As the competition stands, McAuliffe has an overall average lead in the polls of 5.3 points over his Republican foe.[46]

Hoping to use the shutdown to further advance his edge by painting Cuccinelli in with the GOP ideologues in Congress, McAuliffe's ad emphasizes Cuccinelli's strong ties to tea party leader U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), since Cruz is an outspoken supporter both of Cuccinelli and the far-right congressional insurgency which, in seeking to defund Obamacare, is regarded as causing the shutdown. The ad cites Cuccinelli's past effort to defund planned parenthood, apparently bringing the Virginia legislature "to a standstill," as well as claims Cuccinelli was sufficiently opposed to Mark Warner's 2004 budget to call for a shutdown of the state government.[47]

Cuccinelli's ad aims to discredit McAuliffe by referencing articles from The Washington Post and the Richmond-Times Dispatch criticizing McAuliffe's prospective budget plan that he has allegedly threatened to shutdown the government to get passed. The radio spot also accuses him of being "against compromise, against working together to find solutions,” and notes how the Democrat sided with his fellow party members in Congress who had vocally dismissed opportunities to collaborate with the Republicans to avert shutdown.[48][49]

The solo third party candidate in the race, LibertarianRobert Sarvis, may find a unique opportunity in this shutdown atmosphere, where disillusionment with the current standard of government operation runs rampant. If Sarvis is permitted to participate in the third debate with McAuliffe and Cuccinelli, he could potentially attract a substantial number of voters who, already frustrated under Congress' showcase of two-party gridlock, could find themselves more sympathetic than usual to an as-yet untainted non-major party nominee.

"People are looking for other options they don't like what they have to see from those two parties and we're trying to fill that void with principled advocacy for more freedom in our economic sphere and personal lives," stated Sarvis. His passive warning about "obvious dysfunction of our [federal] government" also existing on the state and local level could have an especially profound impact on swing voters and the average 10% of voters polling as undecided.[50][51]

On August 2, 2013, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) revealed government documents implicating McAuliffe in a possible investment fraud being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (S.E.C.). Grassley's findings that McAuliffe received special treatment from a high-ranking immigration official further entrenched the candidate in the controversy surrounding Greentech Automotive, a failed electric car company which he founded. Due to its poor performance and its employment of Hillary Rodham Clinton's brother, who handled the company's capital and is thus the target of the investigation, the now well-publicized environmental venture marks a blemish on the McAuliffe-campaign platform: to reinvigorate the state's economy using his business knowledge and experience as a successful job creator. Developments linking McAuliffe to the suspected fraud has made that blemish more pronounced, though polls continue to disprove initial theories that it would severely threaten his chances of overtaking Cuccinelli in the November general election. Cuccinelli had been the beleaguered candidate of the pair up until the Greentech S.E.C. investigation scandal broke and opened McAuliffe up for criticism regarding his history of "mingling politics and business."[52] Still, the latest polls indicate the Democrat has not lost his edge.

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Lieutenant Governor

Incumbent Lieutenant GovernorBill Bolling (R) is not seeking re-election this year. Nine candidates filed to fill the imminently-open executive seat, including two Democrats and seven Republicans. State Sen. Ralph Northam defeated Aneesh Chopra for the Democratic Party's nomination for lieutenant governor in the June 11 primary election.[53] Northam's general election opponent is Republican E.W. Jackson. Jackson was nominated by delegates of the Virginia Republican Party at the party-funded statewide primary convention on May 17-18.[54]

Jackson's convention win marked the first time since Maurice Dawkins' nomination a quarter of a century ago that Virginia Republicans nominated an African-American for statewide office.[55] A minister at a non-denominational church and relatively new member of the Republican Party, Jackson edged out six primary opponents by emphasizing his commitment to hallmark conservative issues such as smaller government, gun rights and traditional family values. He appealed to the delegation with the promise, "We will not only win an election in November, we will open the hearts and minds of our people and save this commonwealth and save this country."[56]

Jackson was an unwelcome choice for the state's Republican establishment from the start, despite his post-convention promise, thanks to his refusal to divert from, or water down the rhetoric of, his "liberty agenda." The agenda contains the issues mentioned above, none of which are earth-shattering stances for a conservative; Jackson is anti-Obamacare, pro-Second Amendment and anti-federal overreach. His approach to delivering these messages, however, has raised more concerns - as well as eyebrows - from the party than was originally anticipated. In August, Jackson referred to the Democratic Party as the "anti-God party" because of its supportive position on same-sex marriage and abortion, cementing his reputation for being impermeable to warnings about how his often inflammatory rhetoric might alienate swing voters or more moderate Republican voters heading into the general election. Then on Sept. 4, The Washington Post reported that his independent streak also extends to his behind the scenes campaign style. Since securing the nomination in May, Jackson has not taken advantage of the Virginia Republican Party's massive pool of campaign resources. He has declined offers to utilize the party's voter databases and related logistical tools in addition to field office venues across the state- a "virtually unheard-of forfeiture of resources for a statewide candidate."[57]

On the Democratic end, Northam, a pediatric neurologist who was first elected to the state legislature's upper chamber in 2008, wants to win the lt. governor's office in order to restore Democratic control over the state senate. His campaign has also focused on improving education and creating jobs in energy efficiency, in addition to reversing the direction the Republican leadership has taken the state on women's health issues. "Their crusades to shut down reproductive health centers and to mandate costly and invasive medical procedures for women seeking abortions have embarrassed the Commonwealth, and have inserted government between doctors and their patients."[58][59]

The most recent campaign finance reporting cycle ended on Aug. 31, with Northam maintaining an ample fundraising lead over Jackson, to add to the consistent edge he has shown in the polls. Jackson's remarkable refusal to accept assistance from the Republican Party has no doubt hindered him from overtaking Northam in money and/or voter support. His proven difficulties adhering to the state board of elections' filing protocols, having twice needed to amend his documentation of loans or donations, likewise does not bode favorably for the GOP nominee heading into the home stretch of the campaign.[60][61]

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Attorney General

In March 2013, Governing magazine rated Virginia's open attorney general seat as "vulnerable" heading into the 2013-2014 elections because incumbent Republican Ken Cuccinelli is not running for re-election.[62]

The race to replace Cuccinelli began at the primary nomination stage; both Republican convention and Democratic election candidates drew primary contests. On May 18, two "strong fiscal and social conservatives"[62] -- state Sen. Mark Obenshain and state Rep. Rob Bell -- competed for delegate votes at the Republican Party of Virginia's closed nominating convention, which Obenshain won.[63] The nominee's late father, GOP politician Richard Obenshain, died in a plane crash during his 1978 campaign for U.S. Senate. Obenshain will square off against state Sen. Mark Herring in the general election. Herring defeated former assistant U.S. Attorney for Virginia Justin Fairfax in the Democratic primary election, which took place on June 11, 2013.[64][62]

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Democratic candidates

Republican candidates

Former potential candidates

Cory Booker - Mayor of Newark Cory Booker declined to seek the Democratic nomination for governor in 2013, opting instead to finish his mayoral term and lay the groundwork for a U.S. Senate bid in 2014.[70][71]

Richard Codey - State Sen. Richard Cody announced on Jan. 25 that a gubernatorial campaign would not serve the best interests of his family; he plans to run for re-election to the State Senate in 2013.[72][66]

Race background

Incumbent Republican Gov. Chris Christie and Democratic state Sen. Barbara Buono faced one challenger each in the primary election on June 4, though ultimately neither presented much of a challenge. Both won their respective party nominations with roughly 90% of the vote.[79][80]

Former Atlantic City Councilman Seth Grossman was the sole Republican to brave a run against the popular first term governor, whose star has long been on the rise but turned meteoric in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Grossman's campaign criticized Christie for being overly moderate, while Buono's opponent Troy Webster, adviser to the mayor of East Orange, believed he was uniquely suited to making New Jersey friendlier to "the working poor and middle class families who have been literally 'thrown under the bus.'"[81] Grossman and Webster were endorsed by the weekly publication NJ Today.[82]

In New Jersey, gubernatorial candidates have 30 days to select a lieutenant gubernatorial running mate to share the ticket with in the general election. Immediately after launching his re-election campaign, Christie secured his current Lt. Gov.Kim Guadagno as his running mate, while Buono waited until July 29 to formally announce her choice of union leader Milly Silva as her running mate. Silva is the executive vice president of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.[83][84] The two-woman ticket will be up against incumbent Republican governor/lt. governor pair Chris Christie and Kim Guadagno in addition to a number of third party opponents in the general election contest taking place November 5, 2013.

Christie is heavily favored to win re-election, with his campaign raising nearly double that of Buono's in the primary and maintaining a decisive lead in the polls up to the present.[85][86] He also has bipartisan support, which is crucial in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by over 700,000, according to party registration statistics provided by the New Jersey Department of State.[87]

Since 1977, New Jersey gubernatorial primary and general election candidates can qualify for a public funding program whereby candidates who raise a minimum amount of money are dispensed tax-generated funds, controlled by the state election law enforcement commission, in direct proportion to campaign donations given from the public. In 2013, the qualifying sum for primary gubernatorial candidates is $380,000.[88] The purpose of the program is to lessen the influence of corporate contributions in elections. On February 2, 2013, then-presumptive Democratic nominee Barbara Buono's campaign reported that it had surpassed the $380,000 mark.[89] By that time, Christie's campaign had already raised $2 million. Unlike in 2009, Christie declined to use matching funds in the 2013 primary, but he decided in August to opt into the program for the general election phase. Under the program, Christie is eligible for an additional $8 million, approximately. The terms also state that he must participate in two debates with Buono before Nov. 5.[89][90]

The New Jersey gubernatorial election was rated by the Washington Post as one of the top five races to watch in 2013.[91]

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Ballotpedia has counted and is currently tracking a total of 217 state executive positions in 42 states that will be on the ballot next year. That is more than double the number of positions that were elected in 2012, when 94 positions were elected. The eight states that are not holding executive official elections in 2014 are Kentucky, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

Notable candidates

Former Rhode Island General TreasurerFrank T. Caprio (D) is seeking to recapture the post, officially declaring his candidacy on October 8. He served in the position from 2007-2011, making an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2010. Current incumbent Gina Raimondo (D) is expected to run for governor in 2014, leaving the office open.[92]

Wisconsin Democrats finally got their first declared candidate to take on Governor Scott Walker (R) in 2014. Former Trek Bicycle Executive and current member of the Madison School Board Mary Burke declared her candidacy on October 7.[93]

With French out of the running, the path is fairly clear for Bryon Mallott to score the Democratic nomination for Governor of Alaska. Like French, Mallot had been holding off on announcing his final decision on whether to enter the gubernatorial race. He formally declared his candidacy on October 15.[101]

Q. Among current governors, how many have served in the Armed Forces and how many have served overseas during a foreign war?

Answer: A total of 12 governors have served in the Armed Forces, while 38 have no military service. One, Iowa’s Terry Branstad (R), served overseas during a foreign war. He spent two years in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps during Vietnam.[102]

The breakdown by branches of the military for the 12 who served is as follows:[103]